---
title: 5 Types of Coatings for Wire Fences
description: Ready to install a wire fence on your property? Coatings for wire fences include Class 1 Galvanized, Class 3 Galvanized, ZA, ZA and Paint, and Vinyl.
image: https://www.louispage.com/hubfs/Vinyl_Coated_Fence.png
---

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# The Fence Post

## 5 Types of Coatings for Wire Fences

 June 24, 2016 | by [Debbie Page](https://www.louispage.com/blog/author/debbie-page)

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**A Strong, Long-Lasting Fence**

You’re all set to install a wire fence on your property. But what kind of coating will you use on the fencing material? It’s a question a lot of beginners don’t consider, but it’s an important one. The wire coating you use on your fence determines a number of factors, including how long it will last and how it will handle itself against the elements. So what are your options? Here are the basic types of wire coating for fences.

[![Vinyl Coated Fence](https://www.louispage.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vinyl_Coated_Fence.png?width=193&name=Vinyl_Coated_Fence.png "Vinyl Coated Fence")](https://www.louispage.com/welded-wire-mesh/vinyl-coated-vc)

- **Class 1 Galvanized** – This is the most basic type of coating, used on barbed wire and [field fences](https://www.louispage.com/welded-wire-mesh/galvanized-before-gbw). The wire is [galvanized](https://www.louispage.com/welded-wire-mesh/galvanized-before-gbw), by adding a thin, protective layer of zinc. It’s cheap and efficient, but unfortunately not as effective as other types of coating in the long term. Class 1 Galvanized wire fences start to rust quickly. They’ll last a maximum of 11 years, and sometimes as little as *2 years*. In a coastal area, where there’s salt water in the air, it can last an even shorter time.
- **Class 3 Galvanized** – This is a stronger, longer-lasting zinc coating. Whereas Class 1 wire coating uses 0.28 ounces of zinc per square foot, [Class 3](https://www.louispage.com/blog/zinc-coating-class-3-vs-class-1-0-0) uses a thicker coating of 0.80 ounces per square foot. It costs slightly more than Class 1, but it will last anywhere from *13 to 30 years* before it rusts, making it well worth the investment.
- **ZA** – A relatively new development, ZA is a Zinc-Aluminum hybrid coating. It uses less coating than Class 3, making it cheaper, but the aluminum prevents rust, so that it still lasts about the same amount of time. The result is a [less expensive wire fence](https://www.louispage.com/hs-fs/file-648195725-pdf/docs/product_brochure-deer_wildlife_fence_woven-4.1.2014.pdf) that will still last you *up to 30 years* before it rusts.
- **ZA and Paint** – Paint on a fence does more than simply make it look more attractive. After galvanizing the wire with the Zinc-Aluminum coating, it’s painted with black polymer paint, which offers even heavier [protection against rust and corrosion](https://www.louispage.com/hs-fs/file-648195725-pdf/docs/product_brochure-deer_wildlife_fence_woven-4.1.2014.pdf). It lasts even longer than a Class 3 Galvanized fence and protects against the harshest elements. 

**Vinyl** – Also called PVC or UPVC coating, [vinyl](https://www.louispage.com/welded-wire-mesh/vinyl-coated-vc) is the strongest wire coating of all when it comes to standing up against the elements. A thick, flexible PVC layer is added to the galvanized wire. That way, not only is it rust resistant, it also stands up to extreme temperatures, as well as UV rays and even physical abrasions against the fence. Plus, its flexibility means it won’t crack when the wire is bent. Generally available in either black or green, vinyl is the strongest, most durable, longest lasting wire coating you can buy. 

**Do You Want a Temporary Fence? Or Something Stronger?**

So which wire coating is best for your fence? It depends on what you need and where you’re located. If your main goal is cutting costs, and the fence only needs to be temporary, then you can probably get away with Class 1 galvanized wire. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, that will last longer and save you money in the long run, go with [Class 3](https://www.louispage.com/welded-wire-mesh/galvanized-after-gaw) or [ZA](https://www.louispage.com/blog/bid/66375/how-to-choose-the-right-coating-for-woven-wire-fencing-materials). If you really want your fence to last a long time, then ZA and Paint is the way to go. And if you live in a coastal area, or one with other harsh elements, and want a reliable, long-lasting wire fence, then you’ll want to go with vinyl coating. Consider your needs and your options carefully. A well-built wire fence with the right coating can last you a lifetime.                                                                                                                               [![AdobeStock_84844237-1](https://www.louispage.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_84844237-1.jpeg?width=378&name=AdobeStock_84844237-1.jpeg)](https://www.louispage.com/hs-fs/file-759413786-pdf/docs/Product_brochure-welded_wire_VC-4.1.2014.pdf?__hssc=150859049.7.1567169460739&__hstc=150859049.f1a1df4aead804c21e4d50d9e6d0019b.1566246370342.1567102219562.1567169460739.20&hsCtaTracking=d629b7fb-cdde-4b39-bd28-59accf6adf71%7C483657d1-f9eb-4de9-a093-7f1c24a48f2e)

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 Topics: [galvanized](https://www.louispage.com/blog/topic/galvanized), [Wire Coating](https://www.louispage.com/blog/topic/wire-coating), [vinyl coated](https://www.louispage.com/blog/topic/vinyl-coated)

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